FAQs

Fuel Information

What needs to be done to the fuel before extended storage?

Fuel that is not going to used- even for short periods of time should be treated with fuel stabilizer to slow the rate of deterioration, gumming and varnish formation. Following the fuel stabilizer manufacturer's recommendations, treat the quantity of the fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Open the fuel valve, start and operate the engine for 30 minutes. Close the fuel valve and operate until the engine stops. This circulates treated fuel through lines and carburetor. The fuel can be drained or left in the tank.

Can I convert my portable generator to run on a different fuel besides gasoline?

We do not offer any type of fuel conversion kit for our portable generators. Aftermarket conversion kits are available on the internet. However, if a customer decides to convert the fuel using an aftermarket kit, the warranty is void.

Can I use any type of gasoline?

Regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 and no more than 10% ethanol is preferred. Never use an E85 fuel or a mixture of oil and gasoline designated for two cycle engines. Utilizing a higher grade premium fuel will not yield any increase in power output or improved performance.

The fuel capacity in my owner's manual seems incorrect.

The fuel capacity listed is the total interior volume for the fuel tank. Air space is required to allow for expansion of the gasoline during warmer temperatures. So the actual amount of gasoline that will fit in the tank is typically less than the stated fuel tank capacity.

How do I drain the fuel?

Actually, treating the fuel for storage is a better option. The treated fuel can then be left in the tank. Fuel can be removed through the fill opening using an automotive style siphon. Exercise all appropriate cautions when handling fuel.

Operation

The hourmeter said it was time to service the air filter. After the service has been preformed, does anything need to be done to the hourmeter?

The hourmeter will alert the owner continuously for one hour (of run time) before and until one hour after scheduled maintenance has been reached. This includes oil changes (at 100 hours) or air filter service (at 200 hours). As hours of operation continue to accumulate, the hourmeter will automatically reset itself until the next 100 or 200 hour service interval is reached. See the Hourmeter section of your owner's manual for additional information. The hourmeter on some generator models have a reset button that allows the operator to move between maintenance intervals and reset intervals by holding the reset button for nine seconds. NOTE: Not all generator models have a reset button.

How do I adjust the valve clearance?

Valve clearance adjustment is critical to proper engine operation and requires special tools and training. Instructions are covered in the Valve Clearance Adjustment section of your owner's manual. However, if you are uncomfortable preforming this service procedure, have your dealer maintain the generator's valve clearance at the intervals specified.

Can I operate my generator in the rain?

Portable generator should never be operated inside an enclosed space or contrary to any provision or warning contained in your Owner's Manual. However, portable generators are intended to be used during extreme weather and for the sensitive electronics on them, it is best if some sort of open covering can be used to protect it from direct rain or snow. Great options would be a car port or boat canopy with four open sides or a tarp hung from a tree. It is very important to provide adequate ventilation for the generator, so any sort of protection should be at least five feet from any side (including the top of the unit) while in use. Additionally, a portable generator should always be stored inside when not in use to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. BE ADVISED, the generator should NEVER be used in any enclosed space including, without limitation, a shed, home, garage, trailer, or vehicle, even if the doors are left open, as this can be a serious fire hazard and carbon monoxide risk.

How long can I operate the generator? Does it need a "break"?

Your generator can be operated continually. The highest priority is to maintain a proper oil level. Each time you add fuel, check the oil level as well. Add oil, if necessary, to keep the level at the upper mark on the dipstick. See the Checking Oil Level and Adding Fuel sections of your owner's manual for complete instructions on adding fuel and oil.

Is there anything special I need to do before I turn off my generator? Should I unplug my electrical devices?

Yes, remove all loads before turning the generator off. First, turn off all appliances, lights and items being powered by the generator. Then, unplug the items from the generator's receptacles and allow the generator to cool. Once you've done this, it is safe to turn the generator off. NEVER turn the generator off while loads are applied. Refer to the Generator Loads section of your owner's manual for complete instruction on adding and removing electrical devices.

If the generator is being used, how do I connect or disconnect electrical devices?

NEVER start or stop the generator's engine with running electrical devices plugged into the generator. When the generator is turned off, you can only connect electrical devices that are turned off. When the generator is turned on, you may connect electrical devices that are turned on or off.

Why do I need to ground my portable generator?

Proper grounding of the generator, when used to back-up a building's utility power, will prevent electrical shock in the event of a ground fault condition in the generator or the connected electrical devices. Proper grounding also helps dissipate static electricity which often builds up in ungrounded devices. The National Electric Code requires that the frame and externally conductive parts of this generator be properly connected to an approved earth ground. Local electrical codes may also require proper groundingof the unit. for that purpose, connecting a No. 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) stranded copper wire to the grounding lug and to an earth driven copper or brass grounding rod (electrode) provides adequate protection against electrical shock. However, local codes may vary widely. Consult with a local electrician for grounding requirements in the area.

How often should I start/operate my generator between outages?

Generac recommends starting a generator once a month and running the unit for about 30 minutes. Starting the unit monthly will help make sure that the generator is ready to turn on in the event of an outage.

General Information

What are the decibel levels of portable generators?

Our portable generators feature a low-tone muffler straight from the factory. We do not offer a kit or recommend making any changes to the generator or exhaust system, as that can void the warranty and UL listing.

Can I add electric start to my pull start generator?

Generac does not offer any kits or accessories to add electric start to a pull start generator. Making any changes can void the generator warranty.

Does my warranty cover travel/ pickup for my generator?

No. The dealer will not come out to the customer or pick up the portable generator from the customer unless the customer has paid them to do so.

Maintenace & oil information

I am out of recommended oil, but I need to operate my generator. What are my options?

In an emergency, oil with an API rating of SH, SJ, SK, CF-4, ILSAC, GF-1, GF-2 or GF-4 can be used. It can be mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic. Any of the following viscosities are permissible: SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50, 30 OR 40 weight. Change the oil as soon as possible using Generac oil, per the owner's manual recommendations.

If no dipstick is included on my model's engine, how do I know when I have put enough oil in my portable generator?

The customer should fill the oil to the bottom of the cap's threads on the crankcase. The oil should always be checked and filled when your engine has cooled completely.

Should I screw the oil cap/dipstick all the way down when checking the oil level?

When checking the oil, the oil fill cap/ dipstick should be screwed in all the way. The oil level should be checked and filled when the engine has cooled completely.

The manual says the oil capacity is 1.7 quarts. When I add 1.7 quarts, it doesn't reach the threads on the crankcase.

Add enough oil to reach the bottom of the threads on the crankcase, even if it is more than the manual recommends.